Introduction

The 2010 version of The School of Writing at CMU is the perfect opportunity for the aspiring writer. It’s a chance to connect with other writers and also work closely with respected instructors of children’s literature, fiction, life writing, and poetry. Authors Margaret Sweatman, Barbara Nickel, Joanne Klassen, and Anita Daher bring their experience and commitment to The School of Writing at CMU.

Now beginning its fourth year, The School of Writing maintains a commitment to providing a supportive and challenging environment for writers of many skill and experience levels. The School of Writing has helped hundreds of writers receive important support and guidance.

CMU’s superb facilities, combined with an atmosphere of encouragement and hospitality, create a great environment for writers to get the confidence and experience they need. If you’re interested in writing, or you’ve already started writing and you’re not sure how to take it further, CMU’s School of Writing is a great next step.

About the School of Writing

In 2010 The School of Writing at CMU will run from Monday to Friday, May 10-14. The School offers participatory workshops on Poetry, Fiction, Life Writing, and Writing for Children & Young Adults, along with one-on-one meetings with instructors. Participants will have opportunities to meet and learn from well-known published authors from across Canada and abroad who visit for special readings and question periods. And there is time for writing and reflection on CMU’s inspiring north campus. The week will conclude with a banquet.

Applicants for the School of Writing should be 18 years old or over. Classes are limited to ten people each. In order to qualify for the classes in Poetry, Fiction, or Writing for Children & Young Adults, you must submit a portfolio of your writing (5-10 pages, typed and double-spaced). Note: No portfolio is required for the Life Writing class. Spaces for the Life Writing class will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

An admission committee will evaluate the submissions; if you are accepted, your submission will be forwarded to the instructors. When you attend the School, you must bring ten copies of either your submission OR ten copies of other material (no more than ten pages) that you will be working on (for use in peer-evaluation sessions).

For more information, contact the CMU School of Writing.

About CMU

Student Comments

What do students at the School of Writing say about their experience?

• I appreciated the amazing sense of community in my class. I gained a sense that people want to hear my stories.
• I learned so much that I can’t put it all down here. I liked the very positive energy with which everything has been taught. Thank you.
• There is not enough space on this form to describe everything I gained. I appreciated that my writing was treated with genuine care.
• The accommodations were nice. The food was excellent. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I had a wonderful week.
• Thank you! Loved my week here.
• Very impressed. It was a privilege to be here. For me, this was perfect.
• Facilities, programming were all just great. We packed as much into a week as my brain could hold – and more! I learned a ton about voice, point of view, character motivation, and style. Felt liberated to write.
  
• Great food! Loved the spaces on campus to write.
  
• Terrific session with Barbara Nickel.
  
• Excellent balance between learning, writing, critiquing the work of others, and having my own work critiqued.
  
• I appreciate most the dedication, enthusiasm, knowledge, and useful materials that the instructor gave us. The evening programs of readings by guest writers were wonderfully nourishing.
  • The Writing School is a jewel in Winnipeg’s literary crown, a treasure. Thank you for all the work that occurs behind the scenes. It seems to run seamlessly.
  
• The Life Writing course has an open, welcoming atmosphere with positive feedback and real encouragement to write.
  
• I now know how serious writers work and think.
  
• I enjoyed the sense of community and spirituality.
  
• The instructor’s stories about the writing life were fascinating and educational.
  
• I appreciated the diversity of the participants and the free time to write.
  
• I became a better writer because of this School.
  
• I loved the collegiality that developed over the week.
  
• I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the School!
  
• Everything was excellent – thank you.
  
• Life Writing was fantastic. Excellent leadership.
  
• CMU is a lovely place to come each day. Please don’t ever change it.
  
• This has been a most accepting and welcoming environment, where only the writing matters, where age, gender, background, occupation, birthplace are merely there to add greater richness and depth.
  
• Facilities have been wonderful and the scheduling has been perfect. I’ve had a memorable experience at the School of Writing and I hope to come back next year.
  
• Amazing and insightful instructors.
• I was nervous about enrolling in CMU's writing workshop last spring, because I am not Mennonite. I worried differences in religion would make it hard for me to fit in. Read more of 2008 participant Lindsay Smith's essay: Opening The Tent Flap.

Mailing Address:
School of Writing at CMU
Canadian Mennonite University
500 Shaftesbury Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
R3P 2N2